Pope Leo XIV speaks to journalists as he leaves the papal residence to head back to the Vatican, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, June 16, 2026. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Pope Leo says 'thanks be to God' for interim US-Iran peace deal

16 Jun 2026, 18:49 · The Straits Times

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, June 16 - Pope Leo on Tuesday praised the interim deal between the United States and Iran to end the regional war in the Middle East, saying "thanks be to God" that the two powers are set to formalize their accord on Friday.

Leo, who drew the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, said he hoped the deal will end the conflict for good.

"There will still be several points to settle, but it is always better to do so through dialogue, through negotiations, and not by returning to war," the first U.S. pope told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

"I hope that it truly is a solution to the war, that the war really is over, and that we can move forward," he said. REUTERS